Chapter History

The Epsilon Tau Chapter was installed May 12, 1990 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, becoming Alpha Sigma Alpha's first Maryland chapter. All founders were members of Delta Alpha Delta, a local sorority founded in 1986 with the purpose of affiliating with a national organization. The group was colonized with Alpha Sigma Alpha on November 27, 1989.

The installation celebration began with a welcoming party in the Patapsco Dorm Recreation Room on Friday, May 11, 1990. Initiation and installation for 49 initiates and 11 pledges were held at St. John Church of Christ in Catonsville, MD. The White Luncheon was held in the faculty and staff-dining hall. Finally, the celebration was topped off with a banquet and dance at the Stouffer Harbor Place in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The women of Epsilon Tau were joined by collegians from Delta Iota, Epsilon Nu, Epsilon Mu, and Epsilon Rho. Also, members from the Washington D.C., Wilmington, DE, and D.C. Metro alumnae chapters attended. Mary Beth Schoch, UMBC Greek Coordinator, spoke at the White Luncheon. Dr. Geraldine Cox, Nu Nu, was the guest speaker at the banquet.

Early Achievement

The chapter began an early record of achievement with members receiving numerous awards. Rachel Sochol was named the 1991 Panhellenic Woman of the Year and was selected as a chapter consultant for 1992-93. Cindy Frosh received the 1992 Elizabeth Bird Small Award at the national convention held in Baltimore, MD. At the 1996 national convention in Dallas, TX, Ann Oxenham received the Martha Green Diamond Scholarship and the chapter received the national scholastic improvement award. On campus, Sherry Hosseini was honored as 1995-96 Greek woman of the year. Epsilon Tau was recognized as the 1996-97 chapter of the year by UMBC, and Christine Strapac Thomas, was honored as advisor of the year.

The chapter's winning streak continued with Ann Oxenham winning the 1998 Baltimore Panhellenic Scholarship and garnering campus awards for outstanding scholarship and new member education. Lauren Harpool became the chapter's second Greek woman of the year in 1998-99. The millennium brought a steady stream of recognition as well. Alexis Hillock won 2000 Baltimore Panhellenic Scholarship, and the chapter was recognized with a gold award for scholarship and as chapter of the year. To top it off, Joan Rosania was named Greek woman of the year, the chapter's third member to receive the honor since 1995. May 2000 brought the celebration of the chapter's 10th anniversary. A banquet was held at Martin's West for alumnae, collegians and guests. Suzanne Kilgannon, National President and the chapter's 1990 installing officer, attended the event and offered congratulatory remarks. First president Rachel Sochol Solomon, offered an overview of the local sorority's affiliation with Alpha Sigma Alpha and its early achievements. The chapter gave tokens of their appreciation to members and advisors and honored Christine Strapac Thomas for 10 years of service to the chapter as both advisor and province director.

Epsilon Tau is known for its outstanding leaders, high scholarship and commitment to community service. UMBC is mainly a commuter campus and the chapter does not have a house or chapter room to conduct events. Meetings, rituals and other events are held in campus buildings. Despite these challenges, as Maryland's first Alpha Sigma Alpha chapter, members feel they represent the organization well and give full measure.